DeKalb County Economic Development Authority has officially adopted a new long-range economic development strategy aimed at guiding growth, workforce development and competitiveness across Northeast Alabama.
The plan, titled “Elevate DeKalb: The Countywide Strategy to Prepare for and Pursue Economic Prosperity,” was developed over more than a year through research, analysis and community engagement involving residents, business leaders, educators, elected officials and regional partners throughout DeKalb County.
According to the authority, the strategy establishes a countywide framework focused on preparing communities, infrastructure and workforce assets for future economic opportunities while positioning the county for long-term prosperity.
“This plan represents a shared vision for the future of DeKalb County,” said Dr. Brett Johnson, executive director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority. “Elevate DeKalb is designed to help our communities prepare for the evolving economy, pursue new opportunities for investment and job creation, and position DeKalb County for long-term economic prosperity through strategic partnerships and countywide coordination.”
The strategy was developed with guidance from economic development consultants Bryan Parker and Neal Wade and aligns with Alabama’s statewide CatALyst economic development plan.
The framework is organized around two primary pillars: “Prepare for Economic Prosperity” and “Pursue Economic Prosperity.” Focus areas include workforce and talent development, industrial site readiness, infrastructure and broadband expansion, business climate competitiveness, entrepreneurship and regional partnerships.
The plan also identifies several target industry sectors for future recruitment and expansion efforts. Primary sectors include advanced materials and metals, mobility, chemical manufacturing, agriculture and food production, forestry and wood products, and logistics and distribution. Secondary targets include defense, technology, bioscience and business services.
In addition to industrial growth strategies, the plan outlines broader community development priorities such as strengthening retail, housing, tourism, arts, childcare and workforce retention efforts across the county.
“The future prosperity of DeKalb County depends on the choices we make today,” Johnson said. “This strategy provides our leaders with a clear and aligned direction for how we can prepare our communities, maximize our assets and natural resources, and pursue growth opportunities that will benefit current and future generations.”
The economic development authority said implementation of the strategy will begin immediately in coordination with local governments, education partners, businesses and community stakeholders.
Following unanimous adoption by the authority’s board of directors, the strategy also received endorsements from the DeKalb County Commission and the DeKalb County Mayors Association.
Officials said the plan is intended to guide future policy decisions, investment priorities and collaborative economic development initiatives throughout DeKalb County.
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